Approaching feed track no effect on farms yet

Last week, among the participants of the Boerenbusiness Roughage Tour conducted a survey about the new feed track. What do the participants think about this and what adjustments do they make to their company?

The new feed track is causing a lot of commotion in the sector. The measure by which Agriculture Minister Schouten wants to reduce nitrogen emissions via feed has encountered a lot of resistance from agriculture. The participants of the Roughage Tour also appear to have little understanding of the announced measure and have reservations about its implementation.

Wait and see attitude
Dairy farmers are adopting a wait-and-see attitude. Due to the lack of clarity about the precise implementation of the measure, most participants say that they do not yet take any preventive measures at their farms. A single dairy farmer does look ahead and prepares by stocking protein in the form of soy and aiming for maximum protein yield from the grass. The results of the survey are in line with the picture from the entire sector. Feed producer Forfarmers also announced on Thursday not being able to prepare if there is no clarity. is.

little understanding
The ministry's new feed track can count on little understanding from the participants, according to the results of the survey. Reducing nitrogen emissions should not only lie on the shoulders of livestock farming, but other sectors should also do their part. 

In addition to disproportionately heavy pressure on the sector, dairy farmers are also questioning the effectiveness of the measure. Does the new feed track actually have an effect on nitrogen emissions, the participants wondered. The fear among livestock farmers is that the new feed measure will not do the sector and animal health any good. There is also criticism of the minister's involvement. "Let farmers do their work and above all let them feed the cows in a healthy way. A shortage of protein in the ration leads to drastic health problems."

Health priority
Most participants say they have not yet adjusted the ration to reduce nitrogen emissions. The health of the cows comes first. The dairy farmers indicate that they have doubts about the effect of the measure on the welfare of the cows. Proper feeding keeps a cow healthy and also maintains milk production. There is a fear among farmers that changes in rations will cause unrest among the cows.

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